Juniata Preps for Effects from East Coast Storm

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Juniata College has released a list of preparations and tips for its students for the anticipated increased rainfall and wind speeds from the effects of Hurricane Sandy.

"Juniata College is a residential college with most of the student population living in on-campus residence halls or in apartments within walking distance of classrooms," says Kris Clarkson, Juniata's dean of students. "The decision to cancel classes remains a judgment call and the college's safety department and upper administration are closely monitoring conditions in Huntingdon and surrounding areas to ensure the safety of our students. If we decide to cancel classes that decision will be made well in advance of the start of the next day's classes."

"The decision to cancel classes remains a judgment call and the college's safety department and upper administration are closely monitoring conditions in Huntingdon and surrounding areas to ensure the safety of our students."
Kris Clarkson, dean of students

Announcements of changes in Juniata's academic schedule will be made through the Campus Office of Public Safety, the Dean of Students Office and the Office of Residential Life. On Monday, Oct. 29, the campus Emergency Operations Team, which is comprised of representatives from several departments across campus, met and reviewed all of Juniata's emergency operations procedures. The Campus Office of Public Safety released a list of specific preparations the college has made for the effects of Hurricane Sandy hitting the East Coast.

--Notifications of any kind will be sent through the Office of Public Safety Emergency Alert System (which works by text message), and email notifications.

--Juniata has brought in a large portable power generator that can be moved to different locations to power an entire building if the need arises.

--All computers and equipment in areas where water can reach have been elevated off the floor.

In addition, the college's Office of Residential Life sent the following list to all students on and off-campus:

In the event of Hurricane Sandy causing power outages or flooding, please note the following tips and contact information.

--Remove all fans from windows, immediately.

--Keep windows closed -- if your window does not close completely, contact a resident assistant.

--Keep a flashlight and batteries handy, remember, candles are not permitted under any circumstances, even in the event of a power outage. Fire is uncontrollable during a hurricane.

--Students living in a basement/sub surface area (Sherwood basement, East 1st floor, South basement, 1st floor Sunderland) may want to move belongings up off of the floor in case there is water leakage.

--Report all accidents, injuries, broken windows or excessive water to a resident assistant or the resident director immediately.

--Telephone calls should be made only in case of emergency.

--Beware of downed or loose power lines. Avoid downed power lines, even if they look harmless. Report a downed power line immediately to Public Safety.

--Avoid walking in flooded areas.

--Avoid driving, as roads may be blocked. Do not enter a storm-ravaged area unnecessarily. Do not attempt to drive through a submerged roadway.

--Residents living in off-campus buildings should not enter basement areas if flooding occurs. These areas will be patrolled throughout the storm to deter any problems.

--Don't go out on campus alone during the storm. Let someone know where you are going if you are leaving the residence area.

--It is essential that all residents stay indoors throughout the storm.

--Public Safety, Facilities and Residential Life staff will be on duty during the storm to assist students in any notification processes.